MW6-103 - Interview with Samuel ToBata, Totovel (Continued)

Tape#2: Musical Background and Experiences of Samuel ToBata Side A&B: Samuel ToBata education in primary school at Totovel then Pilapila to Boisen High School was disrupted or discontinued in my own choice due to his following of band music at an early age and joined Squad 5 band and Raval Vocational Centre band although did some trade skills training. This led his to go to work for two years in Arawa, Bouganville. During the time in Arawa, they formed the Yellow Top stringband where he was the composer and led with vocals and guitars. They did a local recording which was popular even to the Solomon Islands. Returning to Rabaul and East New Britain he continued with Yellow Top stringband with recordings at NBC studios and later to Pacific Gold Studios (PGS). Samuel's popular album then was Hanglus Poroman which had a big following across provinces around PNG. After he became a born again christian, he left his stringband and power bands to focus on his christian living, ministry and outreach about the Gospel message. He then shared his christian life witnessing to other through gospel music. Samuel further shares the similarities with other musicians previously in bands who are now gospel singers namely David Kepas and Sikal Kelep, Digby Holeong. Samuel uses gospel music with his composition style in stringbands for his album recordings, church conventions and music festivals. (Steven Gagau, January 2020). Language as given: